Jerry Lewis Ayres, a 55-year-old resident of Franklin, West Virginia, has been arrested on charges related to child pornography. His arrest is part of the national initiative "Operation Restore Justice," aimed at combating child sexual exploitation.
Court documents reveal that the West Virginia State Police initiated an investigation into Ayres following a tip from the Virginia State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. The investigation found that Ayres had downloaded images depicting minors, some under 12 years old, in sexual acts. A search of his home and electronic devices uncovered nearly 1,500 images. He faces charges for receipt and possession of child pornography.
"Operation Restore Justice" is led by the Department of Justice and involves efforts to identify and apprehend child sex offenders. This operation has resulted in rescuing 115 children and arresting 205 offenders nationwide over five days. The operation involved all FBI field offices and other relevant departments.
Randolph J. Bernard, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, stated: “As a nation, we are measured by how well we protect our most vulnerable citizens including our very young as well as our elderly populations.” He emphasized the importance of protecting children from exploitation.
Ayres could face a minimum sentence of five years up to 20 years for receiving child pornography and up to 20 years for possession. He is currently held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christie Utt will prosecute this case with investigations conducted by the FBI and West Virginia State Police.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with law enforcement agencies to address crimes against children under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation through coordinated efforts across federal, state, and local levels.
The public is encouraged by the FBI to report any suspected child exploitation via their tiplines or local field offices.
An indictment remains an allegation until guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt in court.